Bleeding
After the removal of one or more teeth, it's common to have some bleeding for 12-24 hours. If this occurs, place a gauze pad over the extraction site and bite down gently for thirty minutes. If the bleeding continues, repeat this process using a fresh gauze pad as necessary until the bleeding starts to lessen. Alternatively, you can bite down on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes to promote clotting.
If bleeding occurs, keep your head elevated and refrain from exercising or consuming hot beverages. If the bleeding persists, please contact our office for further guidance.
For those wearing dentures, some oozing around the edges of the dentures is normal. Only remove the dentures if the bleeding becomes severe.
Swelling
Using ice packs can help manage swelling effectively. Apply the ice to the areas of the face where the teeth were extracted. Use the ice consistently while you're awake for the initial 36 hours after your procedure. From the third day post-operation, transition from using ice to applying a warm compress and gently massaging the swollen areas to help reduce swelling. Continue with the warm compress and massage until the swelling has subsided.
Pain
If you have mild to moderate pain, you can take one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol, or two to three 200 mg tablets of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) every 4-6 hours.
For more intense pain, use any prescribed narcotic pain medications provided by your surgeon and follow the prescribed dosage. Keep in mind that prescription pain relievers may make you feel drowsy and could impair your reflexes. When using these medications, refrain from driving, operating machinery, and consuming alcohol.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are essential for preventing infection, so it's important to take them as prescribed. If you experience a rash or any other adverse reactions while on antibiotics, discontinue use and reach out to our clinic with any concerns or questions.
Diet & Hygiene
If you've undergone tooth extraction, it's crucial to replenish the lost blood and fluids. Initially, limit your diet to liquids and consume plenty of water on the first day. Gradually introduce soft foods and progress your diet as you feel at ease.
On the day of your surgery, refrain from rinsing too vigorously to avoid disrupting blood clots. You can brush your teeth in the evening, but be extremely gentle while rinsing. The day after surgery, begin rinsing every 6-8 hours, particularly after meals, using a warm saltwater solution.
Having multiple teeth extracted differs significantly from extracting just one or two teeth. When extracting several teeth, the bone needs to be contoured and smoothed before a denture can be fitted. The following conditions may arise in such cases and are considered normal:
- You might notice swelling and discoloration, occasionally extending to the eye area. Swelling typically starts the day after the surgery, peaks within two or three days, and then naturally subsides. To reduce swelling, apply ice for the first two days, followed by a warm compress and gentle massage from day 3 onwards.
- A sore throat is common due to swelling of the throat muscles and should improve on its own within two or three days.
- Additionally, you may experience dry or cracked lips. Applying Vaseline or other moisturizing ointments can be beneficial.
If immediate dentures were inserted, you may develop some sore spots. Usually, your regular dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment within 24-48 hours post-surgery to make necessary adjustments and alleviate discomfort. Missing this appointment could lead to significant denture sores, potentially prolonging your healing time.
